CFA sets ambitious roadmap for 2025-2026 membership year
As the Contract Flooring Association (CFA) gears up for the 2025-2026 membership year, it is actively prioritising the needs of its members while navigating the evolving challenges of the flooring industry. Richard Catt, a prominent figure within the CFA, speaks optimistically about future membership growth, stating, “With membership numbers expected to see growth following increases across 2024-2025, we believe members have some good support to look forward to.”
Despite the CFA's primary focus being on the contract market, the organisation acknowledges a notable downturn in the residential sector that impacts some members. However, Catt notes that the contract market appears to be more resilient, albeit with variance across various subsectors.
One of the CFA's central concerns is the skills and labour shortages affecting the flooring industry. To address this pressing issue, the association continues to see the 'Future Fitter' campaign as a cornerstone of its strategy. Plans are in place to update and relaunch the Future Fitter brochure, with an emphasis on diversity and a particular focus on highlighting opportunities for women in the floorlaying profession.
Furthermore, the CFA will engage in initiatives such as STEM Ambassadors, GoConstruct, and regional training delivery partnerships. Open Doors events, including one hosted at the Flooring Industry Training Association (FITA), will provide hands-on experiences designed to inspire potential new talent to enter the field.
Under the leadership of CFA president Alan McEwan, the association is set to advance its campaigns on site conditions and the ‘Responsible No’ initiative, which advocates for essential elements like necessary heat on site and clear workspace setups. Members benefit from a comprehensive toolkit that includes site posters and email banners aimed at building understanding around these critical site condition elements.
Long-standing issues such as poor site conditions and inadequate investment from main contractors continue to be challenges for many CFA members. In response, the association plans to explore competency frameworks promoted by umbrella organisations like the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), aiming to enact meaningful changes within contractor practices and advocate for the competency principles in the floor sector.
Furthermore, the CFA aims for competency to become a regular focus in discussions and activities leading into 2025, with plans to expand its competency support materials and provide members with guidance documents to navigate best practices.
Alongside these initiatives, the CFA will continue to combat unfair payment practices and retention policies imposed by main contractors, offering valuable resources through its dispute resolution service and legal helplines, which are available free of charge to contractor members.
Technical support initiatives are also on the agenda, with new guidance on laminate flooring installation projected for release in 2025. The CFA’s well-supported manufacturers and distributors committee will remain central to the development of technical guidelines, offering regular presentations across various subject areas from industry experts.
The association's marketing strategy will continue to revolve around its three core audiences—existing members, prospective members, and the broader construction industry. Collaborative efforts with Smart Marketing Works and CFJ will yield key publications such as the Sustainability Guide, Members’ Handbook, and Training Guide, while the digital platform Floorscape is set to offer ongoing updates and content.
Given the rising importance of sustainability, the CFA emphasizes its commitment to circular economy principles and aims to support projects that advance product collaboration and innovative installation techniques.
Training delivery at FITA is set to benefit from the digitalisation of course materials, along with the creation of supportive video content. The training hub in Kirkcaldy, supported by Forbo Flooring UK, will continue operations as a cost-effective training centre in Scotland, while apprenticeships will remain a key focus in England.
The CFA has also scheduled four social and networking events for 2025, including golf and horse racing days, with an inaugural CFA Ball planned for early 2026 in Glasgow. Members can expect additional business-oriented networking events and continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities alongside these initiatives.
The CFA's roadmap for the upcoming years underscores its unwavering commitment to its members, aiming to empower them and enact positive change within the flooring industry while adapting to a rapidly evolving landscape.